Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-5) threw his support behind former state representative Robin Kelly, making him the fourth in the Illinois Congressional delegation to throw his support behind her.
Previously, Bobby Rush, Danny Davis, Jan Schakowsky had announced their support for her.
All four Congressmen from the Illinois delegation had served with former Rep. Debbie Halvorson, yet not of those representatives has endorsed Debbie Halvorson.
Curious indeed.
In a statement released by Rep. Mike Quigley in his support of Robin Kelly, he said, “I’m honored to throw my complete support behind Robin Kelly in her bid for the 2nd Illinois Congressional District seat. Robin has proven herself to be a dedicated public servant and is the right person to represent Chicago and the Southland."
Rep. Mike Quigley emphasized the importance of an Illinois Congressman supporting President Obama and his agenda. "As President Obama has laid out, the time for comprehensive gun control legislation is now. I know Robin will be a champion for this issue in Congress, just as she has throughout her entire career. I look forward to working with her in DC to create jobs, lower the deficit, and help advance President Obama’s agenda.”
Robin Kelly returned the compliment and said of her support by Rep. Mike Quigley. “Congressman Quigley is a committed steward of the people, and I will be proud to stand with him in Congress, as well as with President Obama, to fight for common sense gun legislation, economic development, and the many other pressing needs of the people of Illinois.”
It is Rep. Mike Quigley whose campaign most closely mirrors the race that Robin Kelly is running. In 2009, Mike Quigley ran in a crowded Democratic field and emerged the winner in that race. The seat was empty because Rahm Emanuel had accepted President Obama's offer to be chief-of-staff at the beginning of his first term.
Robin Kelly, candidate for 2nd Illinois Congressional district, was also endorsed by eight-term Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) at a press conference last week. Jan Schakowsky cited the growing gun issue as a compelling reason for her endorsement of Robin Kelly.
"I'm endorsing Robin because Congress needs someone who is going to fight for strong gun violence prevention laws, and Robin Kelly is that candidate. Robin has the experience to hit the ground running and the passion to make a difference," said Schakowsky.
In addition to Schakowsky's endorsement today, Robin Kelly has also been endorsed by a growing list of Congressional, state, and community leaders who have thrown their support behind Robin Kelly. Just this past Sunday, Robin Kelly was endorsed by two of Schakowsky’s colleagues, Congressmen Danny Davis and Bobby Rush.
Robin Kelly has said repeatedly that "I am the strongest candidate in this race. Guns is not an issue for me, it is a philosophy for me."
In addition to the Rush and Davis endorsement on Sunday, Robin Kelly also received the coveted endorsement of the Chicago Tribune. She was also recently endorsed by over 100 ministers. who are members of the International Ministers & Community Alliance at the Holy Zion Church in Chicago.
In another important endorsement that continues to pay dividends for the Robin Kelly campaign just ten days ago, Markos Moulitsas of the Daily Kos endorsed Robin Kelly for Congress in a move that solidifies her standing as the "true" progressive in the race for the Illinois 2nd Congressional district. Markos Moulitsas is "the leading" progressive voice in America and the Daily Kos is "the leading" progressive platform in America.
Markos Moulitsas says that to help deal a blow to the NRA's continued power in Congress, The Daily Kos is enthusiastically supporting Robin Kelly in the upcoming Illinois 2nd Congressional District primary. Markos says that you can help by contributing $3 (or more!) to her campaign.
The amount of money raised is edging close to $125,000, with nearly 5,227 individual donors have given close to $120,023 to the Robin Kelly for Congress campaign through the Act Blue website.
In addition, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Super PAC, Independence USA, has poured over two million dollars into the race. The momentum is moving toward the Robin Kelly campaign and overwhelming her opponents campaigns.
Robin Kelly is the only candidate in the race to issue a five-point pledge to combat gun violence.
• Pass a strong, comprehensive ban on assault weapons.
• Eliminate the gun show loophole.
• Ban the use of high capacity ammunition magazines, like those used in Newtown and Aurora.
• Pledge never to receive support from organizations, like the NRA, that oppose reasonable gun safety legislation.
• Support current laws that prohibit conceal and carry permits.
To donate to the Robin Kelly for Congress campaign, click on the contribution page.
Send John Presta an email and your story ideas or suggestions or even to volunteer for Robin Kelly at johnpresta@att.net.
John is the author of an award-winning book, the 2010 Winner of the USA National Best Book award for African-American studies, published by The Elevator Group Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots: How Barack Obama, Two Bookstore Owners, and 300 Volunteers did it. Also available an eBook on Amazon. John is also a member of the Society of Midland Authors and is a book reviewer of political books for the New York Journal of Books. John has volunteered for many political campaigns and is currently an unpaid volunteer for the Robin Kelly for Congress campaign. Robin Kelly also has a facebook fan page.
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